BACKGROUND
Manual skill is important for surgeons, but current methods to evaluate sensory-motor skills in applicants to a surgical residency are limited.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a method of testing sensory-motor skill using objective and reproducible virtual reality simulation.
METHODS
We designed a set of tests on a 3-dimensional surgical simulator with… (More)

BACKGROUND
Simulation-based training may be incorporated into neurosurgery in the future.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the usefulness of a novel haptics-based virtual reality percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy simulator.
METHODS
A real-time augmented reality simulator for percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy was developed using the ImmersiveTouch platform.… (More)

OBJECTIVE
This study explores the usefulness of virtual simulation training for learning to place pedicle screws in the lumbar spine.
METHODS
Twenty-six senior medical students anonymously participated and were randomized into two groups (A = no simulation; B = simulation). Both groups were given 15 minutes to place two pedicle screws in a sawbones model.… (More)

OBJECTIVE
To determine if a computer-based simulation with haptic technology can help surgical trainees improve tactile discrimination using surgical instruments.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Twenty junior medical students participated in the study and were randomized into two groups. Subjects in Group A participated in virtual simulation training using the… (More)